Assisting Customers who have Clinical Depression

If you notice some of the following symptoms, you may want to go over the information under Depression on the Disability Awareness link and see if local resources for more in-depth assistance or counseling is needed.

• A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
• Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping more than usual
• Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
• Loss of pleasure and interest in once-enjoyable activities
• Restlessness and irritability
• Difficulty concentrating at work or at school, or difficulty remembering things or making decisions
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of suicide or death

Some accommodations that may help include:

• Flexible scheduling
• Increase natural lighting or provide full spectrum lighting
• Plan for uninterrupted work time
• Divide large assignments into smaller tasks and goals
• Allow to tape record meetings
• Provide written checklists
• Provide type written minutes of each meeting
• Provide written instructions and allow additional training time

 Make daily TO-DO lists and check items off as they are completed

• Use calendar to mark meetings and deadlines
• Use electronic organizers with audible reminders
• Allow the presence of a support animal

Ask the Navigator (Questions and Answers)

Updated September, 2009 by Cassy Polen, Disability Program Navigator.